The German national team was defeated 2–1 by Ecuador in New York. Ecuador needed a win; Germany had already secured qualification.

The German squad opened the match with a stroke of luck. In the second minute, Raum’s throw-in reached Sané after passing through Pavlovic and Wirtz, who then shot into the bottom left corner. However, most viewers consider the goal illegitimate, since Pavlović lifted his leg dangerously high while controlling the ball, striking his opponent Pedro Vite on the head. Despite Vite lying on the ground visibly hurt, referee Tori Penso from the USA allowed the goal to stand.

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In the ninth minute, Ecuador’s Nilson Angulo leveled the score following a German turnover in their own half. A 1–1 scoreline at halftime accurately mirrored the flow of the match.

Substitutions fail to change the outcome

Early in the second half, Germany received a penalty, which was later rescinded after a VAR review revealed Sané had fouled to gain the ball. During this period, Ecuador turned the game decisively in their favor. Debuts at the World Cup for Angelo Stiller, Malick Thiaw, Maximilian Beier, and Pascal Groß and a tactical shift to a 5-4-1 formation did not yield positive effects, nor did the entrance of Undav, who was vocally requested by the stadium supporters.

In the 78th minute, Ecuador’s Plata scored from a corner following a flicked header. German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer failed to respond assertively or attack the ball firmly, which intensified discussion about the 40-year-old’s continued role as first-choice keeper.

Germany cools down the post-match excitement

While Ecuadorian players celebrated their victory with tears and passionate scenes in front of tens of thousands of fans, the German team tempered the exuberance that accompanied the match.

«The match started well for us. Unfortunately, immediately after scoring, we lost discipline in our positioning,» Nagelsmann told Magena-TV. «If a lead is taken so early, it must be defended effectively,» added the national coach.

Upon being asked by presenter Kerne if the team lacked determination, Nagelsmann responded sharply: «Please stop with that nonsense. Why would the players not give their all?»

Joshua Kimmich supported this stance on broadcaster ARD: «We fully intended to win, but based on the second half, the loss was deserved. Nothing is lost yet, but further defeats cannot be afforded.»